Kobe City: Fantastic Food You Should Try!

Welcome to Kobe, an iconic city famous for its mouthwatering dishes and vibrant food culture. Known as a lively and fashionable port city, it is a popular tourist destination among Japanese and international travelers. Being a major Japanese city, there is no shortage of great food here. 

Kobe beef is undoubtedly the start of the food show in this bustling city. Yet the fun doesn’t stop there. Kobe is every food lover’s paradise. From egg dumplings to croquettes and cheesecake, Kobe really caters to the soul of every food enthusiast. Let’s dive right into this epic gastronomic journey!

Where is Kobe City?

Kobe is between Himeji and Osaka in the Japanese prefecture of Hyogo. It has more than 1.5 million people and is the sixth-largest city in Japan. At the base of Mt. Rokko, the port city of Kobe is only a 30-minute train ride from downtown Osaka. As one of Japan’s first ports to open to international trade, Kobe boasts a diverse cultural scene.

Kobe Beef

Besides the coincidental association with basketball, what comes to mind when you think of Kobe is probably Kobe beef. Marbled and succulent, Kobe beef is one of Japan’s most famous wagyu brands. Kobe Beef is a type of wagyu beef from Tajima black cattle raised only in Hyogo Prefecture. The beef is characterized by thin stripes of fat in its fine-grained meat. The meat melts in your mouth so much it might surprise you, and the sweetness from the fat is addicting. 

You’ve probably heard stories of Kobe cattle being pampered with massages, beers, and classical music. While this luxurious lifestyle can be neither confirmed nor denied, Kobe beef is worth eating. The only catch is that it comes with a hefty price tag. Full of flavor and tender when cooked, there are many ways to have Kobe beef. Though it’s popularly enjoyed as steak or grilled, Kobe beef is also used in hot pots and fried dishes.

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Chuuka Ryori

Kobe was an essential port to the Kansai area once Japan opened up foreign trade. Chuka ryori (Japanese-Chinese cuisine) in Kobe has since had a long legacy once Chinese merchants settled within the city. It’s the Japanese twist of Chinese food where the flavors of the two cultures mix perfectly. Chuka Ryori won the hearts and stomachs of insatiable Japanese diners for generations. 

It even has one of the biggest Chinatowns in Japan, Nankinmachi. Full of Japanese street food, you can find all kinds of chuka ryori, including gyoza (dumplings), pork bun, and noodles.

Akashiyaki  

Akashiyaki is the long-lost cousin of takoyaki (octopus balls), the famous octopus balls from Osaka. Both are dumplings made from a loose batter containing pieces of octopus. The difference is that akashiyaki are not served with a sauce but a gently-flavored broth. The batter for akashiyaki is also lighter, softer, and eggier. Therefore, you can dip the akashiyaki in a dashi broth and enjoy.

Cheesecake   

Cheesecake is an essential Japanese dessert to try on a trip to Kobe. Unlike anything you’ve tried before, every restaurant, café, and bakery has its own recipe. Try the cheesecake in Kannonya with two layers, a baked cheesecake as the base, and the gooey cheese. 

You should also try the cheesecake from Cafe Keshipearl. You’ll find several types of homemade cheesecake, different ones every day. Each is paired with Japanese coffee produced with beans from Horiguchi in Tokyo, chosen to enhance the flavor. 

Korokke

Korokke (Japanese croquette) is a simple yet delicious fried and Western-style food. It generally consists of a meat or vegetable mixture formed into patties, panko-crumbed and deep-fried. Sure, they’re a typical snack around Japan, typically with fillings mixed with mashed potato, but they’re particularly delicious in Kobe. There are many famous croquette shops throughout Kobe; some even have the iconic Kobe beef, making it an especially indulging snack.

Why should I try these foods from Kobe City?

People try these delicious foods in Kobe City because it has become a legendary destination for people worldwide. Being affordable and insanely delicious makes exploring Kobe’s authentic flavors accessible. Also, if you stay in Kobe for a few days, you can quickly try many local specialties. Which of these dishes are you interested in trying? Do you have a favorite one? Let me know in the comments.